Summary:
The arguments for and against allowing legally recognized marriages between homosexuals. A constitutional amendment is being discussed that would define marriage as a contract between a man and a woman.
There is an issue that affects this nation as of today. This issue is amending the constitution so that marriages are only lawful if with the opposite sex. As of November 2004, only the State of Massachusetts recognizes same-sex marriages, while the States of Vermont and New Jersey recognize domestic partnerships. Seventeen other States have constitutional provisions that recognize marriages only between one man and one woman, while twenty-five States have statutes containing similar definitions. As of today there is an act to amend the constitution so that marriage will be defined and the controversy will end.
Supporters of "traditional marriages" generally hold that lawful marriage should be between only one man and one woman, and that the federal government should not compel a state to recognize any relationships to the contrary. Some who hold this position do so because they believe God intended marriage to be between one man and one woman, essentially for procreation. They say that the amendment is essential because it protects marriage from redefinition by either state legislatures or the courts. In addition, they believe the amendment would stop activist courts from giving away most of the legal benefits of marriage to same-sex couples. They say that marriage is a historic, cultural institution and fear having same sex marriages will confuse current generations.
On the other hand, supporters of same-sex or "gay" marriages, generally hold that lawful marriage and the benefits of it should be made available to couples regardless of sexual orientation, and that the denial of this right to homosexuals would unlawfully infringe on their right to pursue happiness. They also claim that making this proposal an amendment would constitute a hate crime upon their institution. They say that there is no amendment in the constitution that defines sexual orientation. Equality should be the only "word" coming out of the constitution. They clam that if the amendment is passed then many families will lose the majority of their benefits.
As of today, there is still much debate over this amendment. In the past it has been pushed aside and ignored because many congressmen dared not speak about it out of fear for their political careers. Many politicians today however, support this amendment such as John Kerry and George Bush. This amendment still needs a petition among the citizens in order for it to be considered a major priority however. This amendment may not be discussed again until after the war.
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